Insorgiamo – We rise up
GKN Workers
The Greener Jobs Alliance was part of the UK group that attended the ex-GKN Workers Assembly on 12 and 13 October in Florence, Italy. The delegation of 29 people from a range of union and solidarity organisations was co-ordinated by Reel News. In the global war between rich and poor, – we need Reel News
The assembly was called to bring together the workers and their supporters to discuss the way forward for this historic struggle that started over 3 years ago. As Reel News report
‘What started out as a standard industrial dispute to save jobs has transformed into a visionary rank and file worker led movement for just transition, with a reindustrialisation plan to move from producing parts for luxury cars, to solar panels and cargo bikes.’
In the period leading up to the assembly over 1 million euros was raised as a share issue. Unions in the UK, Reel News and the GJA registered for shares and were given a vote at the mass meeting outside the factory. The meeting was addressed by Greta Thunberg and there was unanimous endorsement of the proposals for the next steps.
A critical stage has been reached. The people’s shareholder assembly made it clear that the action cannot be conducted in isolation. To succeed it needs a wide mobilisation that breaks through the current deadlock. The alternative plan crucially needs a commitment from the Tuscany Regional Government to acquire premises to begin the process of developing the production process. A deadline of 17 November has been set to assess progress on this. At this point the assembly will be reconvened to decide about whether to end this stage of the action and develop a different mobilisation model.
Widening the struggle. There have been many defining features of the factory collective that have made it such an inspirational working-class action. Firstly, the organisation from below and action based on rank-and-file democracy. Secondly, linking it clearly to wider issues of climate and social justice. The solidarity with other workers and events in Palestine made it clear that it doesn’t exist in isolation.
Joining up with other workers took place at the end of the assembly on Sunday. A large contingent travelled to another industrial estate in the region to support a group of mainly Pakistani workers in dispute with a Chinese clothing company. This strike brought into sharp focus the conditions faced by sections of the labour movement in Italy. The picket line had been attacked by a group with iron bars that hospitalised 4 of the workers. It is widely believed that the group had mafia/fascist links. Despite this intimidation the workers are continuing their demands for a 40-hour week. They currently are employed on less than 1,000 euros a month working 60 hours + a week with no holidays.
This dispute highlighted the wider challenges faced by the GFF collective and all workers looking to develop alternative models of production. Employers will use every method available to prevent workers organisations challenging the system of plant closures and exploitative contracts.
Action in the UK – The UK delegation is looking to spread the inspirational lessons from the GFF collective. Meetings have been arranged with national unions and trades councils. We are mobilising for the Climate Justice demo on 16 Nov, as part of highlighting the importance of the workers assembly organisational model. If you would like further information about the work of the UK support group, please contact them on Facebook: GKN factory occupation – UK solidarity network:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032188728576043 or email Reel News at info@reelnews.co.uk
Graham Petersen